Groening's maiden name was Wiggum — a nomenclature that belonged to The Simpsons' beloved police commissioner Clancy Wiggum and his thick-headed son Ralph Wiggum.

Groening's family — including his father, Homer, and his sisters, Lisa and Maggie — was a clear influence for the show. Groening's father, Homer, passed away in 1996. Another sister, Patty — who inspired the name of the character Aunt Patty — died this past January.